Sunday, May 15th, is International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Vincentians will join with tens of thousands of people worldwide this Sunday, May 15, in lighting a candle on the occasion of the 28th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.{{more}}

Community-based organizations in some 115 countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will use the event to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, to support those living with HIV and affected by its impact and to spur calls to action for greater awareness.

According to Global Health Council President and CEO Jeffrey L. Sturchio: “The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is an essential platform that allows the global health community to advocate for needed change. The Candlelight Memorial brings new voices to the fight against HIV/AIDS at an important time in the trajectory of the epidemic.”

With the theme “Touching Lives…” the Candlelight Memorial is highlighting how HIV has touched the lives of many people. “Touching Lives…” also refers to how an improved HIV response with more treatment access, better prevention methods and respect for human rights and dignity touches the lives of people living with and affected by HIV.

“The Candlelight Memorial is important to people living with HIV,” says Kevin Moody, CEO of the Global Network of People living with HIV. “The memorial is more than a moment to remember our loved ones. It is a moment to look forward to the future of HIV.”

“The only way to honor those who have passed away is to do everything to improve the lives of people living with HIV,” he adds.

Victoria Village, Rose Place and Brighton are among the venues where Candlelight Memorial events are being staged locally this year.